Sen. Lindsey Graham may be a 'yes' on Elena Kagan ("Big Surprise!" Alert)

Politico ^ | 7/13/2010 | Manu Raju

[mojito]

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is sending strong signals that he may again buck his party and become the lone GOP senator on the Judiciary Committee to vote for Elena Kagan to be confirmed to the Supreme Court.

In an interview with POLITICO, Graham argued that Kagan wouldn’t change the ideological balance on the court since she’s poised to replace the liberal John Paul Stevens, and he made the case that some of her views may actually turn out to be appealing to conservatives.

“When it comes to judicial nominations, elections have consequences,” Graham said. “My point of view is you’re replacing Justice Stevens with someone that’s of like mind who may actually be more friendly to national security issues.”

Graham stressed that he hasn’t made up his mind since he’s still reviewing her written answers to questions he submitted after her confirmation hearings, and he said he was aware that serious concerns had been raised by some of his allies, including the powerful National Rifle Association.

But asked if he were leaning toward supporting Kagan, Graham said: “Well, I thought she did very well” at the confirmation hearings.

[ken5050]

But not again....